The Best Rug Pads for Jute Rugs, According to Experts

A jute rug is the perfect way to add a natural, earthy look to any space.

And they don't just look great, either. They're hard-wearing, affordable, and low-maintenance. Plus, they're made from sustainable, organic materials, making them an eco-friendly area rug as well.

If you're eyeing up a jute rug to add a timeless sense of style to your living space, you'll probably be best off placing a rug pad under it. We’ll tell you why, as well as a look at which is the right rug pad for a jute rug.

Why you need a rug pad under jute rugs

Because it's made entirely from natural fibers, a jute rug doesn't come with a rubber backing that stops it from slipping, sliding, and bunching. And because it's such a thin, lightweight material, a jute rug will tend to get pulled out of position and folded over with just about every footstep…

...unless you place a non-slip rug pad underneath it.

Because they're woven, jute rugs don't feel as comfortable underfoot as high pile rugs made of wool or synthetic materials. A cushioned rug pad can make them feel a lot more luxurious, which is perfect in a bedroom or living room where comfort is key.

It's also worth noting that jute rugs shed their fibers during everyday wear and tear. Place an area rug pad under your jute rug and it will catch all those fibers ready to be lifted up and shaken off outside, making it as easy as can be to manage.

A good pad will also protect your floor from dye stains that could rub off of a jute area rug without that layer of protection in place.

These are the best rug pads for jute rugs

Any of these three rug pads from our collection will provide your jute area rug with excellent grip to anchor it to the ground and extra cushioning to make it comfortable underfoot.

Plus, they're each made from high-quality, non-toxic materials right here in the USA – and come with a 10-year warranty and free delivery and returns.

Superior-Lock 1/4"

Our 1/4” Superior-Lock rug pad is a great choice for a jute rug you’re planning on placing in a living area, where you'll benefit from an added comfort boost.

This extra-thick rug pad makes any natural fiber rug as comfortable underfoot as it is charming and hardwearing.

Plus, its needle-punched felt topping holds natural fibers like jute firmly in place without straining them. And the 12-ounce natural rubber backing anchors your rug to the floor to prevent it from being pulled out of place on even the slipperiest of surfaces, such as hardwood or laminate flooring.

Contour-Lock

Our Contour-Lock rug pad provides a firm grip and plenty of cushioning while maintaining a low profile.

It’s been specifically engineered for high-traffic areas, with a heat-pressed 1/8” felt top backed by a natural, low-clay rubber blend specifically designed to withstand heavy foot traffic.

Perfect for hallways and entrances, this quality rug pad will stop your jute rug from slipping and provide that all-important added comfort.

RugPro

Opt for a cheap rug pad and it will be coated in an adhesive that literally sticks your rug to the floor rather than anchoring it in place.

This works for a while… until it wears off, ruining your rug and the floor beneath it.

The RugPro, on the other hand, is a natural rubber rug pad made from a bespoke low-clay rubber blend that anchors your rug in place through friction rather than an adhesive that’s bound to eventually wear off.

It's also topped with a thin layer of felt, which will provide a tight grip on your jute rug so it doesn't slip, as well as provide a bit of underfoot cushioning for added comfort.

As one of the lowest-profile pads in our range, the RugPro is the perfect choice for areas where door clearance might be an issue, like in hallways and doorways.

And its solid design provides more floor coverage than most rug pads, meaning it will catch every fiber your jute area rug sheds for easy cleaning.

What is jute, exactly?

Throughout history, jute has been second only to cotton as the most widely-used plant-based fiber.

The 'golden fiber' is derived from the stalks of Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis – two varieties of a hardy plant that's native to the Indian subcontinent and grown throughout the year.

It's been used to make rope, sacks, and clothing for centuries, but today it's most commonly used to make rugs and carpets that add a natural, earthy look to any room.

Jute rugs have a casual, timeless look that lends itself to almost any room. Because they complement so many different decors, they make a great background piece that doesn't distract from your showpiece items.

And like most natural materials, jute area rugs stand up to a lot of wear-and-tear, making them a great choice if you’ve got little ones or furry friends scampering around. They're also resistant to stains and bound to look as good as the day you bought them for years to come – as well as getting softer and more comfortable as it wears in.

Other things you want to know

Eyeing up a jute rug for your home? Here are a few things you should know before you take the plunge.

Does a jute rug require a pad?

Because jute rugs are thin and lightweight, they’re liable to fold, scrunch, and slip – especially on smooth surfaces like tile and hardwood floors.

So, while you certainly can put a jute rug down without a pad, you could be bending down to rearrange it dozens of times a day. Investing in a non-slip rug pad will hold it fast, as well as ensure your rug lasts as long as possible.

Should a rug pad be smaller than the rug?

A rug pad should be about an inch smaller than the rug it sits under on all sides.

That way it will stay hidden, but the grip will reach far enough to hold the corners and edges in place and stop them from folding over.

How to clean a jute rug

One of the best things about jute rugs is how easy they are to clean. Just give yours a quick vacuum to get it looking back to its best, then spot clean any spills as and when you need to.

And a jute rug is even easier to clean when it's sitting on a rug pad, which will catch all the dirt and debris that falls through the weave and any fibers it sheds so you can just shake them off outside.